incoherent

UK: ˌɪnkəʊˈhɪərənt | US: ˌɪnkoʊˈhɪrənt

Definition
  1. adj. lacking logical or meaningful connection; disjointed

  2. adj. unable to express thoughts clearly; unclear or rambling

  3. adj. (physics) not coherent; lacking wave phase alignment

Structure
in <not>co <together>her <stick>ent <adjective suffix>
Etymology

Derived from Latin incohaerens, combining in- (negation) + cohaerere (to stick together). The root haerere (to stick) evolved into her- in English, seen in words like "adhere" and "cohesion." Over time, "incoherent" shifted from literal "not sticking together" to figurative meanings of disorganized speech or logic. The physics sense (wave misalignment) emerged in the 19th century.

Examples
  1. The fever made his speech incoherent and hard to follow.

  2. The report was criticized for its incoherent arguments.

  3. Quantum dots emit incoherent light under certain conditions.

  4. After the accident, she gave an incoherent account of events.

  5. His notes were a jumble of incoherent scribbles.